Ravens defeat Patriots 31-30 on late FG by Tucker

Baltimore Ravens fullback Vonta Leach, top, is upended by New England Patriots cornerback Devin McCourty as he rushes the ball in the first half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012.

Nick Wass, Associated Press

Summary

Justin Tucker kicked a 27-yard field goal as time expired, giving the Baltimore Ravens a 31-30 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday night in a rematch of the AFC championship game.

BALTIMORE — Justin Tucker kicked a 27-yard field goal as time expired, giving the Baltimore Ravens a 31-30 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday night in a rematch of the AFC championship game.

When the teams met in January, the Patriots squeezed out a three-point win at home to advance to the Super Bowl. The stakes weren't nearly as high in this one, yet the game was eerily similar.

In the previous meeting, Billy Cundiff missed a 32-yard field goal in the closing seconds. In the encore, Tucker — who took the job away from Cundiff in training camp — drove his kick inside the right upright.

The game-winning kick followed a pass interference call against Devin McCourty on Jacoby Jones.

Torrey Smith, who was playing less than 24 hours after the death of his 19-year-old brother, had six catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns for the Ravens.

Baltimore (2-1) won its 12th straight at home behind Joe Flacco, who went 28 for 39 for 382 yards and three touchdowns.

Tom Brady completed 28 of 41 passes for 335 yards and a score for the Patriots (1-2).